Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has come out strongly in defense of President John Dramani Mahama’s controversial decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, amid mounting criticism from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and sections of the legal community.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 30, Hon. Ayariga maintained that the suspension was carried out strictly in line with Ghana’s constitutional framework. He cited Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that such action can be taken following consultation with the Council of State and upon the establishment of a prima facie case against a judge.
“The Constitution Was Followed”
“The President acted within his constitutional remit,” Ayariga asserted. “The suspension of the Chief Justice was neither arbitrary nor politically motivated. It was executed after due process, including the necessary consultations with the Council of State, as enshrined in Article 146(6).”
His comments come after the GBA and some senior lawyers expressed concerns over what they described as potential executive overreach and the risk of undermining judicial independence. The legal fraternity has been sharply divided, with some supporting the move and others warning of long-term institutional harm.
Ongoing Investigation
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended earlier this month after a committee established by the President reportedly found a prima facie case warranting further investigation into her conduct. A five-member committee has since been set up to handle the proceedings.
Majority Leader Ayariga, however, urged the public and professional bodies to allow the constitutional process to run its course rather than rushing to judgment.
A Delicate Political Moment
The suspension comes at a sensitive time, with Ghana preparing for key judicial and political reforms. President Mahama’s administration has defended the move as a necessary step in upholding judicial accountability, even as critics fear it may set a troubling precedent.
For now, all eyes remain on the investigative committee and the legal proceedings that will determine the fate of Ghana’s embattled Chief Justice.